A stunning evergreen tree, featuring peeling showy orange bark when mature; diverse habit of growth, ranging from open and artistic to a Christmas tree-like form; hardy, adaptable and very versatile, can be used as an accent, windbreak or shade tree

Ornamental Features

Scotch Pine has green foliage. The needles remain green throughout the winter. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant. The shaggy orange bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Scotch Pine is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree. When pruning is necessary, it is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season, other than to remove any dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Scotch Pine is recommended for the following landscape applications;

Accent

Shade

Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Scotch Pine will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 35 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.